Virat Kohli, the face of Indian cricket, turns 36 today. Kohli has experienced one of the most rewarding years of his career, highlighted by India’s World Cup win in June 2024. Kohli remains deeply cherished by millions of devoted fans. Kohli has become an icon much like legends MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar with some even believing that his popularity has surpassed that of his former peers.
Kohli has chosen to remain in India to celebrate his birthday. His wife, Anushka Sharma, returned to India in September, and Kohli followed suit, gearing up for five Test matches at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand. Kohli topped the charts and claimed the Orange Cap, he has featured in just 18 international matches: six Tests, three ODIs, and nine T20Is, accumulating a modest 488 runs. However, the upcoming three high-profile Test matches against Australia in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne are of utmost importance.
Virat Kohli gifted Indian fans a birthday treat, scoring his record-equalling 49th ODI century against South Africa in the World Cup match at Eden Gardens. 10 days later, he became the only man in the history to ODI cricket to have scored 50 hundreds in the formats during the semi-final clash against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium.
Going in the flashback, the visuals of Virat Kohli’s Gangnam-style dance and him doing push-ups in front of the ‘Champions’ hoarding must still be afresh in the memories of Indian cricket fans. His crucial 43 runs was key for India to secure a narrow 5-run victory over England in the final.
Kohli has captured every ICC trophy: the U-19 World Cup in 2008, ODI World Cup in 2011, the Champions Trophy in 2013, and now, the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024. Kohli has already been selected for India’s tour of Australia, where Rohit Sharma’s men are scheduled to feature in a total of 5 Test matches. Kohli’s love affair with Australia isn’t hidden from any of his fans, but his form isn’t painting a particularly rosy picture at the moment.
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